'Massive support' for relaunched Book Cycle in Leigh town centre

Back in September 2022, the Book Cycle took up a large premises inside the Spinning Gate shopping centre.

The book shop, which operates as a book donation and pick up point, had an "overwhelming response" from the people of Leigh as it attracted many customers, volunteers, and community groups to utilise its space.

However, as the charity was told it was to be replaced by another occupier in the Spinning Gate, it was forced into a temporary closure in August 2023.

After a long search for the perfect premises, with stock temporarily stored in the former Argos unit, the Book Cycle relaunched in the old Poundland premises on Bradshawgate earlier this summer.

READ >  Family behind beloved restaurant threatened with deportation after building collapse

Inside the Bradshawgate bookshop (Image: Book Cycle)

Anthony Melling, founder of the Book Cycle, said: "I think we were sorely missed by the people of Leigh, as a lot of our volunteers and customers have told us how much they love the book shop. For some customers, it is the only reason they come into town centre.

"We have had massive support since we opened in Leigh, and since our relaunch, which is good for us and good for the town.

"There is a really good feeling between all of our volunteers, and we are even attracting more people on the high street who were not aware we were in the Spinning Gate."

The charity has a focus on improving reading rates around the world (Image: Book Cycle)

With charity book shops dotted all over the country, the Book Cycle has more than 40,000 books on its shelves, with customers free to pick up to three items per day and choose what they want to pay.

The store, which encourages residents to donate their pre-loved books, also boasts a collection of DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records, and offers space to reading and writing groups, knitting clubs, and mental health groups.

This has helped to foster a real community spirit at the bookshop, with the team hoping to expand their activity schedule and encourage more volunteers to help out.

Volunteers at the previous Book Cycle in the Spinning Gate (Image: Book Cycle)

Since the Book Cycle's foundation 15 years ago, the charity has expanded to various locations across the country, as well as two shops in Italy.

Its main aim is to improve reading and literacy levels across the world, and donations have helped the charity build more than 1,800 libraries and plant thousands of trees in various countries.

Book Cycle on Bradshawgate (Image: Book Cycle)